Blog

The Making of A K9 Team Member

Man’s best friend plays an extremely important role in bed bug detection. A pup’s prowess for pest detection can save building owners and managers a great deal of time and money, which is why dogs are such an integral part of extermination teams–including Assured Environments’.

According to the University of Florida studies, canines are 97% proficient in detecting bedbugs. Technicians can only detect what their eyes can see and most times that is only adult bed bugs. Bed bug nymphs and eggs may be hiding behind walls and inside mattresses or bed frames. Bed bugs in this stage are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. Canines use the 300 million receptors in their noses to sniff out bedbug infestations much quicker than any human ever could, no matter how well trained they are. In fact, trained canines can detect bed bugs in as few as 15 minutes, in comparison to a technician who could take hours.

The Assured Difference

Assured Environment’s technicians go through rigorous training and our canine team members are no exception. Each team includes a certified handler and specially trained dog.

All of Assured Environments’ canine teams undergo yearly certification procedures following the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) guidelines. In addition to following the NPMA guidelines, each of our canine teams train daily to keep their skills sharp and up to date.

All handlers are trained in bed bug biology, behavior, inspection methods and identification. They also receive routine training from law enforcement agents who are certified in dog training. But what truly sets our canine teams apart from the rest is the bond between our dogs and their handlers. Many of our canine teams live together and have worked together for years. That’s what makes Assured Environments’ canine teams so exceptional.

Interested in learned more about the Assured Environments canine unit? Head on over to “Meet our K-9 Teams” to meet our pups and pros!